Mentors and how have they assisted you in your career: Jim Stencel led me to take a for-profit approach to operational and sourcing strategy at a time when most of the peers in my field were not. His guidance led me to embed in my career metric based analysis, cost modeling, continuous process improvement, continuous innovation, and seeing failure as a necessary part of change and the road to success.

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date? Being at the forefront and serving as a leader of Feeding America’s produce sourcing initiative engaging the Agriculture Industry. Being nominated for the 2014 Feeding America Food Sourcing Leadership Award.

Most challenging part of your job: The most challenging part of my job is getting potential partners to understand the large scale of operation and distribution that Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida can and does accomplish every day. Once a potential food donor understands that, they become instantly inspired and want to know what they can do to help.

Advice for upcoming younger executives: As a young executive I’ve found it crucial to have an activity, running, that allows me to unwind, de-stress, and quite my mind. Having a balanced life and mind has led me to being a better Director and leader.

Women of Influence

Women of Influence in the Food Industry is brought to you by The Griffin Report, and is supported by individuals and companies throughout the food industry who understand the importance of recognizing achievement and innovation. Sponsors are welcomed to help continue and support the mission of Women of Influence in the Food Industry.